motor insurance
How to File a Motor Insurance Claim in Saudi Arabia
If you are involved in a road accident in Saudi Arabia, the claims process follows a specific sequence. The most important first step is generating a Najm accident report — without it, your insurance company cannot process your claim. This guide explains exactly what to do from the moment of an accident to receiving your settlement.
Who Is This For?
Drivers in Saudi Arabia who have been involved in a road accident and need to file a motor insurance claim.
What You Need Before Starting
- ✓A valid motor insurance policy
- ✓The Najm app installed on your phone, or access to najm.sa
- ✓Your insurance policy number and insurer's contact details
- ✓Your driving license and Iqama
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Ensure everyone is safe first — move vehicles to a safe location if possible and call 911 if anyone is injured
- 2Do NOT move the vehicles if there are injuries or significant damage until police arrive — call 911 immediately in such cases
- 3For minor accidents where all parties agree: open the Najm app or go to najm.sa and file a self-service accident report (Bayan Haadith). Both drivers must be present and agree to the report details.
- 4For disputes or serious accidents: call Najm on 920000560 — they will send an assessor to the scene
- 5The Najm report will clearly state who is at fault based on Saudi traffic law. Accept the report outcome — disputing it delays the claims process significantly
- 6Contact your insurance company with your Najm report number — most insurers have a 24/7 claims hotline
- 7Take your vehicle to an approved repair workshop — your insurer will give you a list of approved workshops. If you have agency repair cover, take it to the authorised dealership.
- 8The insurer will assess the damage and issue a repair authorisation
- 9Collect your vehicle once repairs are complete — review the work before signing off
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Moving the vehicles and agreeing verbally without filing a Najm report — without a Najm report, your claim will almost certainly be rejected
- ✗Accepting a cash settlement from the other driver without a Najm report — you may discover hidden damage later with no recourse
- ✗Taking your vehicle to an unapproved workshop — your insurer may not cover the repair costs
- ✗Delaying contacting your insurer after the accident — most policies require notification within 24–48 hours
- ✗Not photographing the accident scene and damage before moving vehicles
Timing & Fees
Filing a Najm report is free. Claim processing time varies — simple claims are typically settled within 3–10 business days. Complex cases may take longer. There is usually no excess (deductible) for TPL claims against the at-fault driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Najm accident report (Bayan Haadith)?
A Bayan Haadith is the official Saudi road accident report generated through the Najm platform. It records the details of the accident, the parties involved, and the fault determination. Insurance companies require this document to process any motor claim.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you can claim through the Saudi Motor Insurance Pool (SMIP), which covers claims against uninsured drivers. Contact your insurer or the Insurance Authority for guidance.
Can I choose where my car is repaired?
If you have comprehensive insurance with agency repair cover, your car must go to an authorised dealership. Without agency repair, you choose from the insurer's approved workshop list. Going outside the approved list typically means the insurer will not pay.
What if I disagree with the Najm fault determination?
You can file an objection through the Najm portal within 7 days of the report. However, objections can delay your claim. If you believe the fault determination is clearly wrong, gather evidence (photos, dashcam footage) before objecting.